Phil's point that by paying to get in on singers' nights, you are making a financial contribution, even if you never attend a guest night, is right. On the other hand, if it means that there are fewer in the audience on the guest nights, there is less money in the pot on those nights; and more empty seats, which affects the atmosphere. But then no-one is obliged to turn up out of some sense of duty to the club, or to the guest. The folk clubs do not owe any of us a living. I suppose there were always people who didn't attend guest nights, but there seem to be a lot more of them now, and fewer regular paying punters, and my theory is that the clubs are failing to supply what the punters want. I don't think your average punter is greatly entertained by a long succession of people doing one song each, much though the singers themselves might enjoy it. I think yer punter wants to see somebody doing a proper turn, and enjoys hearing a few floor spots as well. I could, of course be wrong; which is why I'm interested to hear what the punters think.
John Kelly.